There’s a lot of new stuff coming to Walt Disney World over the next few years, including 3 new attractions, a couple of new restaurants, and even a new nighttime show.
And after 2020 being such a rough year we are definitely turning our eyes to 2021.
The good news is, even though we’ve seen some projects delayed and postponed, there’s still a lot of cool new things opening up at Walt Disney World over the next 12 – 24 months.
In addition to the highly anticipated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure making its premier Epcot, we also expect to see a couple of restaurants, resorts, and even shows kick off in 2021, too.
Plus there’s a lot of fun stuff coming in 2022 and beyond.
Here’s what we know:
2021
As you can imagine, Disney is a little hesitant to release exact opening dates right now.
In fact, the only thing Disney has absolutely confirmed as coming in 2021 is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Even without any firm dates for the other attractions and shows, we still think the following things will be opening sometime during 2021.
Keep in mind that the concept art depicted below may not look the same as the final projects.
That is always the case but especially true after we’ve seen so many projects quietly canceled, postponed, or scaled back.
Space 220
New restaurant
Location: Epcot
Located between Mission: Space and Test Track, this new space-themed restaurant will use special technology to give guests views of “space” from their table.
We love the concept. The idea that you’re looking down from 220 miles up (hence the name, “Space 220″) really fits that area of the park, and from the descriptions, we think both kids and adults will love the aesthetics.
We originally expected this restaurant to open up in the Winter of 2019/2020. However, even before the pandemic, it was plagued by several delays.
We do expect, however, to see it finally open its doors sometime in 2021.
Harmonious
New nighttime show
Location: Epcot
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth ended in 2019. And for a short period of time before the shutdown, a temporary show called Epcot Forever was presented in its place.
However, since the reopening, Disney has announced that instead of Epcot Forever returning, whenever nighttime shows are once again cleared to happen, Epcot’s long-awaited new nighttime show – named Harmonius – will debut instead.
This new show will be the largest nighttime spectacular in all of Walt Disney World.
Not only will there be fireworks, but the production will also use large barges that double as both screens for nighttime and fountains during the daytime hours.
Expect the music to include reinterpreted Disney tunes as the entire show will aim to “inspire people the world over.”
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
(opening October 1, 2021)
New attraction
Location: Epcot
The France pavilion is getting a new Ratatouille-themed attraction named “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.”
Like the version at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, this 4-D attraction uses an innovative “trackless” ride system.
Construction on this project is incredibly close to being finished and Disney has announced that it will debut as part of the kickoff to the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Authentic Crêperie
(opening October 1, 2021)
New restaurant
Location: Epcot
Opening on October 1, 2021 near the new “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” will be an authentic crêperie featuring cuisine from chef Jérôme Bocuse who is already behind Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul in the Epcot France pavilion.
The new restaurant will feature savory and sweet crepes and have both a quick-service and table service dining option.
Wondrous China
Wondrous China New show
Location: Epcot
Announced at Destination D in November 2018, China will be getting an updated 360-degree film.
It was originally set to open in 2020. But, like many other projects, it was delayed.
We hope to see the new China film, called Wondrous China, premier in 2021.
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve (opening July 2021)
New resort
Location: Boardwalk area
A new resort is coming to the Swan and Dolphin-area.
Originally named “The Cove,” this new resort, now called “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve,” will be more group-oriented and convention-focused. It will include several venues for renting, including a rooftop area perfect for weddings and other V.I.P. events.
Marriot (who owns the Swan and Dolphin and this new resort) has set a July 2021 opening date for this new resort.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land
New restaurant
Location: Hollywood Studios
Located in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be a full-service restaurant offering guests the opportunity to be immersed in Andy’s world, one where he’s taped together cardboard boxes to create a rodeo arena using a “kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets.”
Construction on this project was well underway before the shutdown. However, Disney hasn’t provided any recent updates on the status of the restaurant.
Despite that, we remain hopeful that we will see it open up its doors sometime in 2021.
Drawn to Life – new Cirque du Soleil show
New show
Location: Disney Springs
The brand new Cirque du Soleil show named “Drawn to Life” is still planned for Disney Springs.
The show (which was just days away from opening before the closure) is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
According to Disney, the show will “celebrate the art of animation through the magic of storytelling in a way that only Cirque du Soleil can deliver while paying homage to the craftsmanship that makes Disney animation special and unique.”
From the description, the show sounds absolutely charming and is sure to be a hit with both Disney and Cirque fans:
“This new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.”
Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the new show.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser resort
New resort
Location: near Hollywood Studios
While other projects have had completion dates quietly removed, Disney is full steam ahead with a 2021 opening for the brand new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser resort.
Billed as a “living adventure” and totally unlike anything else on Disney property, this new resort (which is less of a resort and more of an experience) will be 100% immersive and connect guests to the Star Wars universe in never before seen ways.
Stays at the Galactic Starcruise resort will last 2 days and include plenty of opportunities to interact and participate with stories and characters on their adventure.
New “Play” pavilion
New interactive experience
Location: Epcot
Located in the former “Wonders of Life Pavilion,” this new attraction has been described as “an immersive and interactive experience where play fuels the fun.”
Disney says: “Built on the power of play, [the new pavilion] introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters.”
This is one of the projects that we wouldn’t be surprised to see delayed.
Disney hasn’t said much on it since the reopening. And although construction appears to be moving along on the outside of the old Wonders of Life pavilion, it isn’t easy to know just how much of the original concept we’ll actually see come to fruition.
Read more about the updates happening at Epcot.
2022 (and beyond)
2022 is scheduled to see the completion of 2 highly anticipated attractions: Tron: Lightcycle Run & Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
In addition to those, we could likely see some of the 2021 projects be pushed into 2022 as well.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
New attraction
Location: Magic Kingdom
Inspired by a similar attraction at Shanghai Disneyland, Tron Lightcycle Power Run is a brand new coaster-style attraction coming to Magic Kingdom.
Originally slated to be a part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, we now think it will likely be 2022 before seeing the opening of this new attraction.
This amazing new coaster will put guests aboard a two-wheeled “lightning cycle” before sending them off on a thrilling adventure on the digital frontier.
Construction here is well underway, and with views of the site from both Tomorrowland Speedway and the Peoplemover, it is easy to be impressed by the scale and scope of this Tomorrowland addition.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
New attraction
Location: Epcot
Construction is also well underway for a new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind “storytelling coaster-style” attraction at Epcot.
With ride vehicles that rotate and direct your view towards the story unfolding around you, this new attraction is HUGE (Disney has said it is one of the world’s longest enclosed coasters) and is sure to impress when it opens in 2022.
New Epcot entrance
Location: Epcot
This new entrance will totally transform the area between the front of the park and Spaceship Earth.
Concept art for this area includes plenty of green space, winding paths, and the relocation of the monolithic Leave a Legacy photos to a yet undisclosed area outside the front of the park.
Construction of this area is well underway, and we will likely see large chunks of it finished in 2021. However, we don’t expect it to be completely finished until sometime in 2022.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
New interactive experience
Location: Epcot
According to Disney, this “first-ever experience based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film, ‘Moana,’ will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.”
And, unlike other Epcot projects, this one has been recently mentioned by Disney since the reopening. That leads us to believe that we will see this one completed.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a major new attraction, but it will connect guests to both Moana and water in a walk-through experience.
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
Princess and the Frog reimagining of Splash Mountain reimagining
Reimagining of an existing project
Location: Magic Kingdom
On June 25, 2020 (which was during the shutdown), Disney announced that it would be reimagining their popular Splash Mountain attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World into a Princess and the Frog-themed ride.
According to Disney, the attraction picks up after the end of the popular 2009 movie – meaning guests will get to see Princess Tiana in human form rather than as a frog.
The ride will follow Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. And, yes, there will be music from the movie.
Since the announcement was made during the closure, we hope that the project will be completed.
However, while we wouldn’t be surprised to see construction start in late 2022, we also wouldn’t be surprised for things to not even kick off until 2023 and for the entire project not to be completed until 2024 or later.
Recently announced projects that are on hold (or maybe not happening at all)
Mary Poppins area
New interactive experience
Location: Epcot
Announced at D23 in August 2019, Cherry Tree Lane was supposed to be joining the UK pavilion.
But then 2020 hit and Disney quietly removed any mention of this new attraction from the Epcot Experience (which is a new-ish attraction where guests can see the projects and plans for Epcot).
After being so excited about this fun addition, we were honestly quite sad to see the project shelved.
Disney hasn’t yet said if this is a temporary suspension or if we’ll see the project happening sometime in the future.
You can bet we’ll keep our fingers crossed for the latter.
DuckTales Worldshowcase Adventure
New interactive game
Location: Epcot
Disney has several different free activities and games that families can play in the parks, and we love them as an excellent alternative to attractions.
Epcot’s version has seen several incarnations with both Kim Possible and most recently Agent P, but that last one was due to be replaced with a new DuckTales-themed adventure.
But then the shutdown happened, and the reboot of the DuckTales cartoon was canceled. And with no signs of the new game showing up, we’re left wondering if we’ll see it all.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge
New resort
Location: Magic Kingdom Resort area (between Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge)
Building on the popularity of Disney Vacation Club, a planned 16th resort was in the works for the area between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
For guests familiar with that area, that is the spot of the now-closed River Country Water Park.
In fact, Disney had permits filed, and the land was cleared. But since the shutdown, there has been zero activity on the site.
Disney is no stranger to abandoning resort construction. Fans familiar with the Pop Century saga know that the area where Art of Animation now sits was originally planned as the 2nd half of Pop Century known as the “Legendary Years.”
At the point that the Pop Century Legendary Years section was scratched, several buildings were already up. And until Disney began construction on Art of Animation, they sat there empty and abandoned (and slightly creepy looking).
“Reflections” was nowhere near that far along in the construction process before everything was halted. Still, just like we saw the abandoned Pop Century space re-imagined in better times, we hope to see this project take off again sometime in the future.
Spaceship Earth enhancements
Attraction overhaul
Location: Epcot
Before the big shutdown, Disney was planning a long refurbishment of the popular Spaceship Earth.
And while we do love the attraction now, we were really looking forward to seeing the enhancements, especially after Disney clarified that “Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.”
That felt like the best of both worlds to us, and the concept art they released looked stunning:
But, like many other projects that were announced, this one too has been quietly shelved.
We do think that we will (eventually) see this attraction get a much-needed face-lift; it just likely won’t be for the next couple of years.
Recently Opened
Even though 2020 was a rough year, several new things did open up before the parks closed down.
Cinderella Castle Makeover
Enhancement
Location: Magic Kingdom
Begun just before the big shutdown, Cinderella Castle has now been transformed from the blue/grey paint scheme:
Into a majestic pink masterpiece:
We admit, in the beginning, we were a little bit hesitant about the change.
But after seeing it in person, we love the new look, and it seems perfect for the big 50th Anniversary Celebration coming in 2021!
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (Opened January 17, 2020)
New attraction
Location: Epcot
Capitalizing on the success of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration in Epcot, this new Beauty and the Beast-themed sing-along is housed in the same theater where Impressions de France is shown.
But don’t worry – you can still catch Impressions de France; you’ll just need to check your My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
This new show was created by the same person (Don Hahn) that produced both the animated and live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast.
Truth be told, we don’t love it. Without the live actors (like you see for the Frozen Sing-Along), it falls flat.
It is a nice place to rest your feet, but we wouldn’t really suggest making it a priority unless you just really, really love Beauty and the Beast.
Awesome Planet (January 17, 2020)
New show
Location: Epcot
The Land pavilion at Epcot got a new film with an environmental message called “Awesome Planet.”
According to Disney, the film features “spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise).”
The film itself is beautiful and is a nice time-filler.
Canada Far and Wide (Opened January 17, 2020)
New show
Location: Epcot
Announced at Destination D in November 2018, Canada received an updated 360-degree film in early 2020.
Called “Canada Far and Wide,” it is packed with gorgeous Canadian views while being narrated by Canadian treasures Eugene Levy and Catherine O Hara.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Opened February 19, 2020)
New restaurant
Location: Epcot
A new quick-service restaurant called “Regal Eagle Smokehouse” has taken the place of Liberty Inn in the American Adventure pavilion.
According to Disney, the “new location is a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells, and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There is also a redesigned patio for you to enjoy, so get ready to grab a brew, some barbecue, and relax inside Epcot.”
Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Opened March 4, 2020)
New attraction
Location: Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened up in Spring 2020 as part of Hollywood Studios’ 30th Anniversary. This new attraction is inside the Chinese Theater and replaced The Great Movie Ride, which closed in 2017.
Featuring new technology Disney calls “2 ½ D”, guests are put inside the zany world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon in the first-ever ride-through attraction themed entirely around Mickey Mouse.
There is no minimum height requirement for this attraction, which means the whole family can enjoy it!
Read more about it in our Spoiler-Free Guide to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Mickey Shorts Theater (Opened March 4, 2020)
New attraction
Location: Hollywood Studios
Taking the place of the now-closed Star Wars: Path of the Jedi theater, this new Mickey Shorts Theater opened in Hollywood Studios in March 2020.
The theater features a short film styled after the animated series “Mickey Mouse” on the Disney Channel.
